August 2013, Issue 6

Mel in Mt ALBERT, May 2013

P A R L I A M E N T A R Y S E R V I C E

A U G U S T

2 0 1 3

I S S U E

On average wages have risen faster than the cost of living in the past year Under National , the NZ economy is in good shape Unemployment at its lowest in 3 years

Families are the heart of our communities

At the last election National said that wed build a brighter future for Kiwi families . Well, its half way through the term and Im thrilled to say that were delivering on that promise. We all want the very best for our families. We need healthcare thats fast and convenient, and under this government more patients are getting elective surgeries and seeing hospital specialists sooner. People with injuries and illnesses are getting faster emergency treatment and all cancer patients ready for radiation treatment are getting it within the World Gold Standard of four weeks. Were also making sure that kids get the skills they need, getting more pre - schoolers into early childhood education, focusing schools on achievement. Were now getting plain language reports on how our children are doing at school and 70 per cent of students are achieving National Standards in those three important subjectsreading, writing and maths. Were giving kids a better start. Ninety three per cent of under - 2s are now fully immunised. Nearly all under - 6s can access free doctor visits, day or night. Nearly 80 per cent of 4 - year olds are getting B4 School checks. Its great that we now have 22 new trade academies and 12,000 extra tertiary places. Were putting into place an ambitious new trades training programme, revamped apprenticeships, and clear vocational pathways for our future workforce. We want our young people to succeed and to have a brighter future, and one thing we dont want is a heavy tax burden for the next generation to pay off. Thats why our responsible economic management is ensuring that your taxes are spent wisely on the services that families need. Wages are growing, cost of living increases have been modest, and interest rates are at 50 year lows Were a Government thats delivering real jobs, real growth, and real progress for Kiwi families.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

A brighter future for families Tough on drug crime Auckland Transport A say in the neighbourhood Exploitation of migrants Photo Gallery Contact details Community notices

Melissa Lee MP

Getting Tough on Drug Crime

Weve all read about drug abuse, weve all seen the results of drug addiction on TV documentaries, we know the harm drug crime has on our communities. Thats why this National led Government is sending the very clear message we are very serious about tackling the problem of drug crime in this country. As part of our 2009 Methamphetamine Action Plan weve received about $8.3 million since the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act came into force. Thats a lot of money! We believe that this money taken from those who profit from drug crime should be used to reduce the harm from drugs. This was a commitment we made and we are allocating money seized from drug crime to government agencies to directly fight crime and drug addiction.

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Next generation of Auckland Transport

The next generation of major projects that will improve transport in Auckland will not only benefit the city but the country. With a price tag of $10 billion, these 3 projects are the highest transport priorities in the Councils Auckland Plan.
City Rail Link... We are committing to a joint business plan for the City Rail Link with Auckland council in 2017 and providing our share of funding for a construction start in 2020. Waitemata Harbour Crossing. We agree with Auckland Council that a new harbour crossing is likely to be needed between 2025 and 2030 and that the next crossing should be a tunnel. AMETI & East West Link project Government wants to speed up the combined Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) and the East-West Link Project. We are seeking advice on which elements can be accelerated and how funding can best be targeted. The area between Onehunga, Mt Wellington, and East Tamaki is home to a number of industrial and logistics businesses that make a critical contribution to the Auckland and national economy. Many people are employed in the area and theres considerable growth potential, but the transport links in and out are just not up to the job, and this needs to be remedied.

A greater say in the neighbourhood

Im right behind our Justice Minister Hon Judith Collins giving communities a greater say in the availability of alcohol in their neighbourhoods. Many people are concerned by the misuse of alcohol in our society and we are giving communities greater scope to object to liquor licence applications in the first step in the implementation of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 Now people can oppose a liquor license application if they believe the believe the location of a licensed premise will negatively impact the surrounding neighbourhood. The Mt Albert community was successful in preventing a new liquor outlet being established on Mt Albert Road. This is only part of creating a lasting change to New Zealands drinking culture. It cant be changed by legislation alone, its a social change and we all have our part to play.

Combatting the exploitation of migrant workers

The exploitation of migrant workers is an ugly business. And too often the crooked employer is themselves a migrant, taking advantage of vulnerable people from their own community which is very sad. This National-led Government is very serious about combatting this exploitation of migrant workers and weve made it quite clear that it wont be tolerated here in New Zealand. New proposals have been announced that will see exploitative employers face lengthy prison time, hefty fines and in some cases face deportation back to their country of origin if the offence was committed within 10 years of them gaining residence. Weve also approved an immigration policy change to encourage victims of exploitation to come forward so that action can be taken. The new policy means in most cases of serious workplace exploitation, migrants who come forward will be allowed to remain in New Zealand while they apply for a new Visa. I think whats important to remember also is that by breaking the law, dishonest employers not only harm their staff but they also gain an unfair advantage over their law-abiding competitors. So we are amending the Immigration Act to make it a specific offence to exploit migrants who hold temporary work visas. Therell be stiff penalties proposed Imprisonment for up to 7 years a fine not exceeding $100.00 or both.

ery Photo Gall

A visit to Traffic Systems Ltd with the Prime Minister

Hamilton for a 60th Ceasefire Commemoration of the Korean War The Global Womens Summit Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Prime Minister in Mt Albert .. With Avondale College senior students

Adding my support for Team NZ, doing my bit for the boys!!

My Youth MP Kristina in Parliament

Lets talk about

If you have recently moved into Mt Albert, my office can help you receive the best advice and support in the following areas:

Liaise with Auckland

Council, Local Board and Auckland Transport

Community Notices
Calling volunteers - we need you! Mt Albert Community Patrol are looking for volunteers. Full training will be provided. Please call Tony Mayes 09 8492745 Arthritis New Zealand Annual Appeal Week is coming up next month.. 24-30 September. Its the Arthritis Societies Annual fund raiser and they would be so grateful for your support. 530.000 Kiwis including 1,000 children live with this painful condition .. Can you give an hour or two of your time? Call 0800 663 463 or call Kate on 09 523 8904

Assistance with issues relating to education, health, immigration and ACC

Help people understand

government policies

Provide information on
how Parliament works 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday 779 New North Road Mt Albert I also meet with people most Monday afternoons. All enquiries, please see contact details below,

Help with queries to

WINZ, IRD, Police, HNZ

Advocate on your behalf to

Ministers and their departments